Govt criticised for failing to act on APD

The government has received criticism from airline and travel industry associations for sticking to its plans to increase air passenger duty (APD) this year.

Chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling delivered a Budget yesterday (April 22nd) that confirmed the flight tax would be increased as planned, rising by as much as 112 per cent for long-haul services.

Abta - The Travel Association said the rises would disadvantage "hardworking Brits, jobs and developing nations".

Chief executive Mark Tanzer commented: "This unfair tax already costs air travellers from the UK £2 billion and covers its environmental costs. This holiday tax represents a heavy and growing burden on families at a time when they are being forced to reconsider whether they can afford to take a well-earned break."

EasyJet described APD as a "£1 billion raid on the airline industry" and said that the government had missed a chance to "give air passengers a much-deserved shot in the arm".

British Airways was among the airlines that urged the government to abandon its flight tax plans before the Budget was delivered, pointing out that the cost of a family holiday to Australia could be increased by £360 as a result of the changes.

Posted by Penny, 23 April 2009 13:28

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• British Airways